Fire and Rain

I never imagined myself in this position, but here I am, standing in front of my pack waiting for the Elders decision. I’m Jocelyn Ridge, Joc for short, I’m what you would call the the golden Alpha. I was born to the two strongest Alpha’s our world has known, heiress to the Aspen Pack. My parents (both the Alphas of their clans) found each other and instantly imprinted on the other. My father, Aries, is the brute and my mother, Beth, is the brains; put them together and we are unbeatable. I honestly couldn’t ask for better parents or better teachers to prepare me for when they “retire”, as my Dad says. At 19, no mate and one of the best warriors in our pack; the pressure is on. I’ve only ever known(or cared about)how to be a strong Alpha, so I won’t be challenged,no pressure at all. I always complain to my best friend, Jace, that I’m never going to find my mate and all my worries. “It’s going to happen Joc, just layoff beating the s**t out of the omegas and you just might imprint” “Jace, I’ve only loved one thing kicking a** and taking names” I say while laughing. “Maybe if you wash the dirt out of that black hair and put on a dress, Don Juan may show up” he says with a chuckle. “It’s not dirt, it dried blood. And come on, me a dress? I don’t even own one” I mock him “Maybe that’s the problem! Most girls our age are driving a flashy convertible. Driving way too fast but they look so good while doing it. Then we have you, in the king cab black truck with chrome trim and blacked out windows. You don’t stand out a bit.” He laughs and looks over at my truck. “That’s my baby right there, don’t go bringing midnight into this.” I snap back. “Do you even care about your title?” He asks “To me, that’s all it is. I want to earn the packs respect and have them trust me unconditionally. Not just because of my birthright” I say, while sighing. “That is what is going to make you an even better Alpha then your parents. You care enough to talk things out but not afraid to whoop some a**” Jace laughs but I know he’s being serious. “So can I be you Beta? You know I got you through thick and thin” “Jace I haven’t even thought that far yet. Dad always says he’s ready to retire but mom wants to make sure I find my mate. That way I won’t be challenged because let’s face it, a female Alpha is rare” “True story there! Although you could put a beatin in on everyone in this town! Speaking of, wanna spar before you run off” “Oh Jace, you know the way to a girls heart!” We spar for a bit, say goodbye and I head to the woods for a run then home for a hot shower. After my shower, I talk to my parents over dinner. I will say that for being two alphas, my parents never let our titles go to their heads. We live in a beautiful home, 3 bedrooms, 5 baths and a great view of the city. We don’t have a private chef, a maid to put a mint on the pillow or personal drivers to take us wherever our hearts desires. Moms says that we don’t need a big house because we are no better then anyone else in the Aspen Pack and that’s too much cleaning. Mom made surf and turf for dinner, Dad and I’s favorite, so he’s happy. It’s a silent dinner, not a heavy uncomfortable dinner but definitely enough for me to know something is up. Of course, dad breaks the silence first; “You hurt anyone today?” He says with a chuckle “No, but I did bust a lip with a head butt” we high-five and then get “the look” from mom. “Aries, please don’t encourage her! And Joc, fighting gets you nowhere, you should settle things with words unless there is no other option” she says sternly but in a sweet tone. “Mom in all fairness, I did say sparing with me could result in someone getting hurt. Not my fault he was that someone” Dad takes another bite of steak, trying not to make it obvious that he’s holding back laughter. We’ve always been close and love getting mom in a tizzy. She believes in words can fix any issue. Dad thinks the opposite, that’s probably why they where fated to each other. I dream of a relationship like theirs. They may be opposites but you will never find another couple so in sink with the other. “Beth if she gives a warning then it’s on them” “Dads right mom! By the way, surf and turf? What’s the occasion?” I ask questionably “Your father and I met with the Elders about the city needing to be better guarded against others. We decided that you should be in charge of the crew guarding the towns boarders.” “You didn’t think inviting me to this meeting would’ve been necessary” I say in a demanding tone. I knew instantly I f****d up. “I would watch your tone” I could hear her growl behind her words. “If you think for one d**n minute that I’m going to let you train all day and not take any responsibility of this pack you have another thing coming. Your 19, haven’t found you mate, getting out and socializing may be the solution” My mother is a very sweet woman, until you hit her buttons, then your in deep s**t. She goes onto tell me that I will be managing the boarders and training new omegas the routines. Great I’m a glorified babysitter. It is important, we aren’t the only pack or creature out there. We are on great terms with the casters, we actually have a few that live in town. Vampires however, well I would rather be bound with silver chains soaked in wolves bane than deal with them. The creatures venture into our land from time to time, my mother says to issue a warning and let them leave. My mother also told me third warning, rip the heart out and leave it for the birds. I swear she may look sweet, but I learned my fighting skills from her. I tell my parents goodnight and head upstairs, they both know I will be out running but don’t say anything. I pack a duffle and head out to look at the city and let Ridley be free for a bit. I shift into my wolf form, I prefer to run alone because I kind of stand out. Ridley’s coat is white silver on one side and black as night on the other. She also stands rather tall, she has double the Alpha gene so she is very strong, mouthy as well. “It feels good out tonight” she says breathing deeply. “I agree, this spring has been amazing” “Are you worried we won’t find our mate?” “He’s out there, maybe us taking on babysitter duty may help” “I hope so, I’m over your mom constantly b*****g about it. “If Jace can find his, I’m sure someone is out there for us” “Well I’ve had enough self loathing for the night. I’m tired, same time tomorrow?” “Of course my sweet, anything for you” I say sarcastically and shift back into human form. I get dressed but it’s too great of a night to not enjoy. It’s warm but not too warm, humid but not smothering. While taking in a deep breath, I smell something and hear something in the woods. Instantly I’m in defense mode and ready to defend myself and my pack. On my guard I move closer to the wood line. I hear a cracking branch about 4 yards ahead, I walk over and to my surprise and relief I hear a voice I know too well: “F**k Joc! Are you trying to put me in an early grave!” Jace has a look of panic on his face but finishes getting dressed. “Sorry, I’m kind of out here in the middle of nowhere. Didn’t expect a dumbass to show up” “It’s not like I followed you! Did you not see where you were? Your on my land fool!” Without even noticing, Ridley had taken us far from the house. Of course she did because stirring up trouble is her specialty. While I’m taking in that my wolf just made me look like an i***t, I hear Jace: “So what’s bothering you? You usually just run in your wolf form and go home, your in your human form so something is wrong” “Well if you must know, I’ve been put in charge of guarding the boarders and training the newcomers on how it’s done” “So they made you the babysitter?! Oh my goddess I needed that laugh” he is laughing so loud, I knew this would happen. “That’s right laugh it up, I need a Gamma and guess who I just decided would be the best candidate!” I snap in a matter of fact tone. “What! I don’t think so, I do have a life. But I’m cheering hard for you” “Come on Jace, the pay is great and I don’t think that working at a fast food joint is going to keep up with Sarah’s lifestyle” “Joc, you’ve got to accept her. Although for the longest time I thought she was a w****e she isn’t. But your right, this ceremony isn’t going to pay for itself. 2k for some tablecloth, where the f**k are they coming from?!” He goes off on a rant, all I can do is laugh at him. “I will tell my mother in the morning. Probably shouldn’t talk to her tonight. I’m not really in her good graces at the moment” “Alright, I’m headed back. Need a ride back to your house?” He is always worried about me, which is what is going to make him a great Beta. But I’m not about to tell him that! I get home, get settled into my nice warm bed and fall asleep. That night, I had a dream that will change not only my life but my parents and pack as well. I didn’t know it but this was just the beginning of my not so happy ending.